Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are a few that run afoul of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers. Periodically, the DNR provides a report of some of the miscreants the Conservation Officers (CO) have encountered. The News-Herald shares these stories as a reminder to all to be safe and to follow the rules!
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking snowmobilers and talking to some eager fishermen contemplating whether to go out on certain lakes. Two snowmobilers went through the ice on an area lake. Ice conditions are still not safe.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked snowmobilers and trapping activity during the week. Anglers who did venture out on the ice found lots of standing water on some of the lakes. Ice depths vary a great deal on some lakes so continue to use caution.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled GIA snowmobile trails and forest roads; most trails are still closed due to brush and downed trees and wet areas. Lake conditions are not looking great with the snow cover insulating the thin ice on many lakes and increasing the amount of slush. Cross country ski trails are looking better and activity on them is picking up; skiers are reminded to get their ski permit before hitting the GIA ski trails like Pincushion.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) reports that a snowmobile went in a bog along the trail, and two went into a lake this weekend. Trails are in poor shape even with the new snow and the lakes are not safe for motorized traffic.
CO Bill Landmark (Moorhead) investigated an incident where several crows were shot and left in a ditch.
CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) assisted local police with the removal of an unwanted bobcat that somehow found its way into an event auditorium. Several calls were received of a deer with an arrow in its head; however, the deer was not located.
CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) investigated an incident where two family dogs were cornered by a pack of wolves a short distance behind the residence. One dog was killed during what appeared to be a lengthy fight between the dogs and the wolves, and the other managed to crawl back home where it had to be put down due to extensive injuries.
Contact local DNR Conservation Officers to report violations or ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom 218-370-0244 | Darin Fagerman 218-387-9751 | Mary Manning 218-475-0121
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